Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Ceduna Council
Smoky Bay, 5680
Est. population · Jun 2025
223
Growth (1 yr)
+0.9%
Growth (5 yr)
+4.2%
Median age
57
Median income
$1,237/wk
Employment rate
58.4%
Languages at home
1.5%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- National parks
- Excellent transport
- Heritage area
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Smoky Bay offers a slower smaller community life in Ceduna Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.
Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Housing sits in the middle of the local market: neither cheap nor premium.
Reported crime has been falling recently. Tree-lined streets and established homes set the tone, with little pressure to reinvent the neighbourhood.
The desirability picture is below average, weighed down by softer growth momentum relative to similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Smoky Bay snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
223
+0.9% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
52.4%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#146
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
41st
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
70th
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
4/10
national SEIFA decile
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 20.3/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 6689th in Australia
- State rank
- 666th in SA
- Peer rank
- #146 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #240 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 70%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Population
Estimated resident population
223(June 2025)
+0.9% annual · +4.2% over 5 years · 70th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.9%
- 5-year growth
- +4.2%
- Change in 1 year
- +2
- Change in 5 years
- +9
- Growth rank in SA
- 70th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~250), extrapolated at +0.4% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 216
- Median age
- 57
- Median household income / week
- $1,237
- Dwelling vacancy
- 52.4%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 98 of 187
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,000
- Employment rate
- 58.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 87 / 0 / 0 (+ 3 other)
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 6
- Against the person
- 1
- Against property
- 5
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 26.9
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 216 residents
- State safety percentile
- 40.9th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 7
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -45.3%
Most common offence types
- Other Property Damage And Environmental1
- Other Theft1
- Other Unlawful Entry With Intent2
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury1
- Theft/Illegal Use Of Mv1
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated · Financial-year releases
Family & Lifestyle
Public transport
1 public transport stops in this suburb
- Williams St / Beach Esplanade - North side (Smoky Bay General Store)
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · current · Updated
Amenities
1 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Great for outdoor family life — 1 parks mapped in suburb
- Walkability proxy
- 2/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 4.63
Sport & outdoors(1)
- Picnic area
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Parks & reserves
1 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Acraman Creek Conservation Park
Data sources & freshness
- National parks & reserves (SA) — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 17
- Parks (OSM)
- 1
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Ceduna District Health Service (42.8 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Public Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA) — SA Health · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 3
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 13.5
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 30° / 16°
- Rainfall
- 38 mm · ~5 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 25° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 55 mm · ~7 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 18° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 103 mm · ~13 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 25° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 76 mm · ~10 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.
2026· 1 proposal
April 2026
- Carport (11m L X 10m W x 4.66m H)9 TREMAINE ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
2025· 4 proposals
November 2025
- Storage shed (Store)LOT 79 SMOKY BAY RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
May 2025
- Raised deck.12 BEACH ESP SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
April 2025
- Proposed 12mtr * 9mtr * 3.5mtr shed/garage.20 -22 BEACH ESP SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
March 2025
- Land Division 1 into 2113 SMOKY BAY RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
2024· 3 proposals
December 2024
- construction of viewing platform within aquaculture lease area (retrospective)LOT 36 JETTY RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
February 2024
- Upgrade to existing Telecommunications Facility: • The removal of two (2) grid parabolic antennas (19.5m and 29.0m); • The installation of two (2) new 1.8m diameter solid parabolic dishes (25.0m and 35.5m); • The installation of ancillary equipment, including outdoor units, flextwists and balanced power splitters; and • The installation of ancillary equipment within the equipment shelter.61 SMOKY BAY RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680Under Assessment
January 2024
- Boundary realignment to correct encroachment1 WILLIAMS ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680;12 BEACH ESP SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
2023· 9 proposals
October 2023
- Verandah and alterations to existing first floor balustrade6 WATSON COVE SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
September 2023
- Outbuilding (Remove existing shed and replace with new shed)20 LLOYD ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
- Outbuilding8-9 BARLOW CT SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
July 2023
- Proposed additional Shed for use in Oyster Farming Industry. Includes office and Staff amenities area.3 PACIFIC DR SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
May 2023
- Install new shed and remove old shed16 BAYSIDE CT SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
- Replace existing roller door with a larger, electronic controlled roller doorLOT 102 TREMAINE ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
March 2023
- Upgrading Shed14 BAYSIDE CT SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
February 2023
- Garaport made to order 12.0x7.5x4.2 with a verandah attached 4.0x7.5mx3.8m high flat roof4 LLOYD ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
January 2023
- General purpose shed (store for vehicles/caravans/personal use)LOT 73 SMOKY BAY RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
2022· 7 proposals
November 2022
- Storage shed for boats, trailers, general goods and aquaculture materials15 WARNA MAR RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
September 2022
- Free standing carport16 LLOYD ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
May 2022
- Dwelling addition (detached building envelope - master bedroom with ensuite)2 BEACH ESP SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
- Install a 1.4m high x 19.0m long concrete sleeper retaining wall to the property boundary between 1 Hunt Street & 2 Denton Street, Smoky Bay SA 56801 HUNT TCE SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
March 2022
- Erection of a greenhouse for the purpose or drying/storing native seed for revegetation projects.LOT 50 FLINDERS HWY SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
- Advertisements including freestanding signage and associated hoarding structures113 SMOKY BAY RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680;125 SMOKY BAY RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680Under Assessment
- Building addition for cold storage of oysters.14 OYSTER DR SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
2021· 4 proposals
October 2021
- Building addition 6.1m x 9.1m = 55.51m2. to existing oyster processing shed (331.54 m2) supporting aquaculture9 ANCHOR DR SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
June 2021
- Outbuilding (Standard Gable Shed)6 LLOYD ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
April 2021
- Raised deck with roof over29 DENTON ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
January 2021
- Building addition to existing garage23 DENTON ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
2020· 2 proposals
November 2020
- Industrial shed of 14mx16mx4m with concrete floor. Also kitchen, office, bathroom and workshop to be built inside.LOT 1 SMOKY BAY RD SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
September 2020
- Replacement Building (demolish existing outbuilding -garage/shed- and replace with new building in substantially same location and substantially the same appearance)8 LLOYD ST SMOKY BAY SA 5680Decision Made
Other· 1 proposal
- ANTHONY CHARLES BICHARD & CLIVE EDWIN OMONDHydrocarbon and ChemicalEPA licence
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · 2026 · Updated
Heritage
1 heritage place
- Point Collinson Whaling Station SiteSMOKY BAYState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
- Bushfire safer places
- 1
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Grey
- Member of Parliament
- Tom VENNING (Liberal)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 128,707
- Turnout (2025)
- 89.4%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +5.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 54.6%Labor 45.4%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 151.6 km away).
Coalition 75.7%Labor 24.4%
21.0 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +4.3 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Smoky BayLabor 23.7% · Coalition 76.3% TPP (2025)10.0 km away
- Streaky BayLabor 30.9% · Coalition 69.1% TPP (2025)46.1 km away
- CedunaLabor 40.0% · Coalition 60.0% TPP (2025)46.2 km away
- WirrullaLabor 21.8% · Coalition 78.2% TPP (2025)47.1 km away
- PoocheraLabor 14.9% · Coalition 85.1% TPP (2025)83.0 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 4/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 5/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
More in Ceduna Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.